This genetic disorder (commonly called "PKU") prevents your body from breaking down an amino acid called "phenylalanine." Phenylalanine is a building block of protein, and it's found in many foods. These include meat, eggs, milk, fish, beans, nuts and an artificial sweetener called "aspartame." When you can't process phenylalanine, it builds up in your blood and causes problems. Let's take a moment to learn more.